Performers of Blue Moon Girls (left to right) Justine D. Moritz, Christian Smith
and Jessica Lea Fleming.
Jessica Lea Fleming is a writer, actor, improviser, producer and a Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizen. Her most recent play Blue Moon Girls, which she not only wrote and produced but is also performing in, will be featured during the Toronto Fringe Festival from July 5-13.
Fleming grew up in historic Penetanguishene, a small town on the Georgian Bay that is rich with Métis culture and traditions. It was this upbringing that inspired her work for Blue Moon Girls.
Blue Moon Girls is a story of childhood friends and the choices they face when love comes between them. Julie and Sonya meet as teenagers in the small Métis – French town of Blue Moon, Ontario. Complications arise when they both fall in love with Christian, and sacrifices are made by all.
“For years, I have been trying to shape the story of Blue Moon, based on real and imagined experiences of life in rural Ontario,” said Fleming. “With the unflagging encouragement of Christina Cicko, Justine Moritz and the impeccable instincts of dramaturge and director Julia Pileggi, I had the confidence to write this story from the heart. I am excited to present to our audience a tale of love, friendship and sacrifice. For all the “Blue Moon girls” who touched my life, this is ours to share.”
Fleming is a recent graduate of the Second City’s Conservatory Program where she co-created I Stand Autocorrected and she also studied psychology and drama at the University of Guelph. Fleming sits on the Board of Directors for the Theatre Centre and works as the Development Manager at the imagineNative Film + Media Arts Festival. Blue Moon Girls is her third full-length play.
Blue Moon Girls plays July 5-13 at the Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse in Toronto, Ontario. Tickets are available as of June 17 via www.fringetoronto.com, by telephone at 416-966-1062 (ext. 1), or at the door.